Propulsion system

ABSTRACT

A propulsion system for use in a liquid or gas fluid is provided including an axially-extending funnel-shaped conduit, a flow generator, a power source, and, optionally, an airfoil-shaped wing. The funnel-shaped conduit has outer walls forming an inner fluid passageway, an upper edge defining a fluid inlet, and a lower edge defining a fluid outlet. The optional airfoil-shaped wing is connected to and circumferentially surrounds the funnel-shaped conduit upper edge. The flow generator is rotatably mounted about the axis of the funnel-shaped conduit and is configured to force the fluid from the fluid inlet rearward through the fluid outlet. A forward force is produced by the combination of both thrust from the flow generator plus the lift force created as the flow generator draws the fluid across the annular airfoil-shaped wing and inwardly through the fluid inlet forcing the fluid rearward to exit out of the fluid outlet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a Divisional Patent Application claiming the benefit ofco-pending United States Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.12/054,627, filed on Mar. 25, 2008 and issuing as U.S. Pat. No.7,836,678, which claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/920,096, filed Mar. 26, 2007, which isincorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a propulsion system for useas a means of propulsion to propel a vehicle, or for use as a vehicle,in liquid or gas fluid, and more particularly relates to a propulsionsystem having a rotor for other known device) confined in (or around) afunnel-shaped conduit that is configured to produce a lift force bycombining thrust from the rotor with the lift force created by drawingfluid into the funnel-shaped conduit, and, optionally, across anairfoil-shaped wing, whereby movement can be executed vertically orhorizontally.

2. Description of the Prior Art

While air transportation has become ever more popular, neitherconventional airplanes nor helicopters are usable in all situations.

Helicopters are difficult to control, especially in windy conditions,and are particularly vulnerable to accidents or crashes at landing orduring take off. They are limited in speed, due to their inherentdesign.

Conventional airplanes are not highly maneuverable. They cannot stop inmid-air; neither can they turn quickly in any direction. Conventionalairplanes are inappropriate for use as personal transport devices, suchas might be used by one or two passengers to travel to work. As theyrequire a runway to take off and to land, they are generally unsuitablefor use in congested or heavily populated regions, in inner cities orindustrial areas, in storm or emergency damage surveys, in rugged orforested terrain, or in other unimproved environments.

Additionally, conventional airplanes cannot hover to provide a stable,yet rotatable platform, such as would be desirable for filming, forholding monitoring or scientific equipment in position, or forsupporting weapons in a manner in which the weapons could be aimed andfired in any direction.

Moreover, conventional airplanes present safety concerns. If power islost, a conventional aircraft will have trouble landing safely. Also,any impact will generally result in a crash. Conventional airplanes alsocan go into a stall, whereupon the controls are ineffective andaccidents are prevalent.

Further, conventionally available or proposed disc-shaped flyingaircraft, such as a flying car, are inherently unstable and inefficient.This is because disc-shaped flying aircraft using only a ducted fan toproduce lift force can only produce force due to Newton's third law,which is inefficient in this application. The present invention solvesthis problem by attaching a funnel on it, which can give additional 70%or more thrust due to the Bernoulli's effect (FIG. 7) in tests (FIG. 5,FIG. 6).

The present invention advantageously provides safer air travel andprovides a system whereby, in the event of a loss of power, the aircraftwould be configured to float down safely through the air from aheight—due to air resistance reducing the velocity of its fall, in asimilar manner to a parachute. Furthermore, the present inventionprovides a system whereby minor or no damage would be sustained during alow speed collision.

The current invention can be applied both to underwater travel and towater surface travel.

In the area of underwater movement of persons or materials, submarinesare typically used. The steam-powered, diesel-powered, electric-powered,or nuclear-powered engine conventionally drives a propeller that movesthe submarine through the water by pushing against the water andcreating a forward force. To keep the long cigar-shaped submarine levelboth on the surface of the ocean plus at any depth, presents problems. Acomplex system using hydroplanes and various air and water tanks isemployed to keep the submarine level both while it is stationary andwhile it is traveling through the water. The present invention allowsunderwater transport in a less complex and more stable vehicle.

Another problem in water transport systems is inertial cavitation, suchas may occur behind the blade of a rapidly rotating propeller due tocollapsing voids or bubbles and may cause damage to components,vibrations, noise, and a loss of efficiency. The present inventioneliminates cavitation problems.

Additionally, the present invention provides a personal underwatertransport system for divers that would increase safety while being easyto operate and maneuver.

Further, the present invention can be connected to either air or watervehicles to increase force and to increase safety. Thus the presentinvention can also be applied to water surface travel, such as, forexample, applications to conventional boats and ships.

Accordingly, there is an established need for a fluid dynamicallyefficient propulsion system, as herein presented, that improves safetyand maneuverability in any fluid—in air, providing hovering flight witha stable, rotatable platform and providing vertical takeoff and landing;and in water, providing an easy to level, control, and operate vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a fluid dynamically efficientpropulsion system, having a rotor confined in a funnel-shaped conduitthat is capable of providing a lift force to lift itself, or to lift avehicle or cargo, in liquid or gas fluid. The propulsion system includesa vertically extending funnel-shaped conduit, a flow generator, a powersource, and, optionally, an annular airfoil-shaped wing or a wing formedin any of a variety of other configurations. The funnel-shaped conduithas an upper edge that defines a fluid inlet and has a lower edge thatdefines a fluid outlet, with the upper fluid inlet larger than the lowerfluid outlet. The annular airfoil-shaped wing is preferably connected toand circumferentially surrounds the funnel-shaped conduit upper edge.

Driven by the power source, the flow generator (either rotor-type orother type) is rotatably and operably mounted about the axis of thefunnel-shaped conduit, and, by its action in the fluid, produces thrust,which provides motion to the vehicle. The flow generator is configuredto force the fluid, such as air or water, from the fluid inlet rearwardthrough the fluid outlet. The flow generator draws the fluid across theannular airfoil-shaped wing and inwardly through the fluid inlet forcingit rearward through the axially-extending funnel-shaped conduit to exitout of the fluid outlet.

The propulsion system of the present invention creates force bycombining thrust, in a new and unique way, with the movement caused bythe difference between the speed of the fluid inside of the funnel ascompared to the speed of the fluid outside the funnel, whereby forwardmovement can be executed vertically or horizontally.

The propulsion system can optionally include a load container or a pilotand passenger area.

An object of the present invention is to provide a propulsion systemthat can be increase force.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a propulsionsystem that reduces fluid dynamic drag.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a propulsionsystem that is adapted to eliminate cavitation in water applications.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a propulsionsystem that can be adapted for use as a stable, rotatable platform.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a propulsionsystem that is adapted for use in any liquid or gas fluid environment,for example, in air or in water.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a propulsionsystem that, when used in air, increases landing safety if power islost.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a propulsionsystem that is configured to quickly and safely provide vertical takeoffand landing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a propulsionsystem that is configured, when used underwater, to more easily level anunderwater transport device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a propulsionsystem that is configured, when used underwater, to more easily level anunderwater transport device.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a propulsionsystem that is configured to be used on the surface of the water.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a propulsionsystem that increases fuel efficiency (tested at 70% increase in thrustforce with same amount energy input) and power.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawingsand from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, whichfollow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be describedin conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate andnot to limit the invention, where like designations denote likeelements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first preferred embodiment of thepropulsion system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away view, taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1)showing the first preferred embodiment of the propulsion system of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of thepropulsion system of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a side view showing a third embodiment of the propulsionsystem of the present invention in an underwater application;

FIG. 4B is a top view showing the third embodiment of the propulsionsystem of the present invention in an underwater application;

FIG. 5 is a schematic showing a small wheeled cart used as controlsystem for a comparison test;

FIG. 6 is a schematic showing the third embodiment of the presentinvention in application on a small wheeled cart, illustrating increasedforce achieved as compared to the control system of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic showing the third embodiment of the presentinvention with arrows designating the force due to Bernoulli's Principle44 and the force due to Newton's Third Law 45.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF HE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the described embodiments or the application anduses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary”or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or“illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations. All of the implementationsdescribed below are exemplary implementations provided to enable personsskilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure andare not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is definedby the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”,“lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, andderivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background,brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to beunderstood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in theattached drawings, and described in the following specification, aresimply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in theappended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physicalcharacteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not tobe considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed towardan aerodynamically efficient propulsion system that is capable ofincreasing force and, when used in air transport, is capable of verticaltakeoff and landing and of hovering flight, providing a maneuverable,stable, rotatable platform. The propulsion system 10 of the presentinvention is configured to provide a forward force to move or liftitself and a vehicle or cargo in any liquid or gas fluid environment,such as air or water.

Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a propulsion system, shown generallyas reference number 10, is illustrated in accordance with a firstpreferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the propulsionsystem 10 includes a funnel-shaped conduit 11, an airfoil-shaped wing12, a flow generator 21 (FIG. 2), and a power source 22 (FIG. 2).

The funnel-shaped conduit 11 is configured as a fluid passageway that issubstantially shaped as a truncated cone, or funnel with open ends. Theupper edge of the funnel-shaped conduit 11 defines a fluid inlet 13,while the lower edge of the funnel-shaped conduit 11 defines a fluidoutlet 14 that is smaller than the fluid inlet 13. The funnel-shapedconduit 11 is configured to allow generally uninterrupted rearward flowof the liquid or gas fluid from the fluid inlet 13 through thepassageway of the funnel-shaped conduit 11, with the fluid exiting outof the fluid outlet 14.

The airfoil-shaped wing 12 is connected to the funnel-shaped conduit 111in the area of the fluid inlet 13. The airfoil-shaped wing 12 extendscircumferentially around, and is attached to or formed integrally with,the upper edge of the funnel-shaped conduit 11. As best seen in thecutaway diagram of FIG. 2, the airfoil-shaped wing 12 is formed in aconventional airfoil shape. The precise size and dimensions ofairfoil-shaped wing 12 are determined by the specific application of thepropulsion system 10 of the present invention, as well as by theparticular fluid environment of application of the invention.

Airfoil-shaped wing 12 is configured to supply a lift force when fluidis drawn across the upper surface. Airfoil-shaped wing 12 may beintegrally formed with the axially-extending funnel-shaped conduit 11during manufacture, or may be securely joined via fasteners such asscrews, nails, rivets, adhesives, welding, or other fasteningmodalities. Additionally, although airfoil-shaped wing 12 is illustratedas extending in a ring circumferentially around the fluid inlet 13 ofthe funnel-shaped conduit 11, one or more partial airfoil-shaped wingsencompassing only a portion of a circumferential ring around the fluidinlet 13 of the funnel-shaped conduit 111, are within the scope of theinvention. The one or more partial airfoil-shaped wings are configuredto provide sufficient surface area to supply a lift force when fluid isdrawn across their upper surfaces.

The axially-extending funnel-shaped conduit 11 and the airfoil-shapedwing 12 may be formed of a single material, a composite material, ormultiple layers. The conventionally available materials used will varydepending on a variety of application specific factors, such as, forexample, the fluid environment in which the propulsion system isutilized.

Power source 22 provides the energy to the propulsion system 10. Thepower source 22 is preferably mounted within the axially-extendingfunnel-shaped conduit 11. Supports 23 are illustrated as one example ofattachment means. The supports 23 secure the power source 22 in aposition to power the flow generator 21 with minimal restriction offluid flow through the axially-extending funnel-shaped conduit. Anaxially-extending cylindrical structure 24 connects power source 22 toflow generator 21. Structure 24 may rigidly connect power source 22 toflow generator 21, or may provide for movable positioning of flowgenerator 21.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any of a varietyof different power sources 22 may be utilized without departing from thepresent invention. For example, power source 22 may be a motor, engine,or any conventional machine for converting energy into mechanical forceor motion. Power source 22 may use any conventional energy source, forexample, electrical energy, gasoline, diesel, human power, or the like.

The flow generator 21 is rotatably mounted about the axis of thefunnel-shaped conduit 11 and is configured to force the liquid or gasfluid, such as air, or water, from the fluid inlet 13 rearward throughthe passageway of the funnel-shaped conduit 11 to exit out of the fluidoutlet 14. The flow generator 21 may be, for example, a propeller, aturbine, a fan, another machine having a rotor with vanes or blades, orother fluid moving apparatus. When the propulsion system is used in airtransport, the axis of rotation of the vanes or blades of flow generator21 is generally perpendicular to the ground.

A forward lift force is produced as the flow generator 21 draws thefluid across the airfoil-shaped wing 12 and inwardly through the fluidinlet 13, as demonstrated by fluid flow arrows 15. Then the flowgenerator 21 forces the fluid through the funnel-shaped conduit 11 toexit out of the lower end of the funnel-shaped conduit 11 at fluidoutlet 14. The flow generator 21 is positioned in such a way as toprovide a relative pressure difference between the outside of thepropulsion system and the inside of the propulsion system, with the rateof fluid flow being faster inside the funnel-shaped conduit 11 thanoutside the funnel-shaped conduit 11. Thus the difference between thespeed of the fluid on the inside of the funnel as compared to the speedof the fluid outside the funnel produces a lifting force due to theBernoulli Principle (FIG. 7).

Additionally, the rotation of the airfoil-shaped blades of the flowgenerator produces a lifting force or thrust that acts at right anglesto the fluid stream, due to Newton's Third Law 45 (FIG. 7). The forwardlift force of the propulsion system is created by the combination ofthese two forces 44, 45.

The forward lift force thereby produced can be applied to an existingvehicle or to a vehicle especially designed to utilize the capabilitiesof the propulsion system 10 of the present invention. It can be used tolift a vehicle, passengers, or other cargo, either in air or in water orin other fluids. Whether used in gas or in liquid, the propulsion system10 utilizes a uniquely effective method for reducing aerodynamic drag.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the propulsionsystem 10 of the present invention. The propulsion system 10 of thesecond exemplary embodiment operates in a similar manner to the firstexemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 to FIG. 2. However, the propulsion system10 of the second embodiment additionally provides an enclosed housing 30for transporting persons or cargo. Additionally illustrated is avariation of the positioning of flow generator 21, which is disposedwithin funnel-shaped conduit 11 in a lower position, extending slightlybelow funnel-shaped conduit 11. Furthermore, an optional cover 35supported by cover supports 34 is illustrated.

Enclosed housing 30 is disposed above funnel-shaped conduit 11,extending radially about the axis of funnel-shaped conduit 11 in anoverall balanced configuration. Enclosed housing 30 is securely attachedto the funnel-shaped conduit 11 via support structures 33 by means ofconventional fasteners such as screws, nails, rivets, adhesives,welding, or other fastening modalities. To allow access into theinterior, enclosed housing 30 is configured with an entry door (notshown). Enclosed housing 30 is configured to be waterproof if thepropulsion system 10 is to be used in an underwater environment, orconfigured with appropriate lightweight materials if the propulsionsystem 10 is to be used for flying. Enclosed housing 30 may be utilizedas a compact passenger compartment for a pilot or for a pilot and one ormore passengers, or may be utilized as a load container for haulingcargo, materials, or the like.

Cover 35 is a designed as a rigid protective covering configured toguard the opening at the fluid outlet 14 of the funnel-shaped conduit11. Cover 35 is included if appropriate to the situation of theapplication of the present invention, for example, to provide protectionto the flow generator 21, such as in a flying tank application. One ormore cover supports 34 are installed to support the cover 35 asignificant distance from the fluid outlet 14, to allow the fluid to bedischarged toward the sides of fluid outlet 14, as illustrated by arrows36.

The propulsion system of the present invention produces lift force dueto both Bernoulli's Principle 44 and the force due to Newton's Third Law45, as shown in FIG. 7. Therefore, when the outlet is covered in someenvironment for any reason, which causes the fluid to be dischargedtoward the sides, there is still lift force due to Bernoulli'sprinciple. This is so in spite of the fact that there is not much thrustforce attributable to Newton Third Law's. This unique design allows aflying tank to become possible when the flow generator 21 is configuredto be sufficiently strong. This ability to be utilized as a flying tankis in contrast to a helicopter. A helicopter's rotors are exposedoutside, so they are vulnerable regardless of how strong the engine is;therefore, a helicopter is not practical as a flying tank.

In other aspects, the propulsion system 10 of the second exemplaryembodiment is substantially similar to the propulsion system 10 of thefirst exemplary embodiment described above, utilizing the differencebetween the speed of the fluid on the inside of the funnel as comparedto the speed of the fluid outside the funnel to produce a lifting forcedue to the Bernoulli Principle (FIG. 7).

FIG. 4A (side view) and FIG. 4B (top view) illustrate a third exemplaryembodiment of the propulsion system 10 (inside funnel-shaped conduit 11)of the present invention. The propulsion system 10 of the thirdexemplary embodiment operates in a similar manner to the first exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 1 to FIG. 2. However, the propulsion system 10 of thethird embodiment illustrates the propulsion system 10 in application inan underwater situation with elimination of cavitation problems, theomission of airfoil-shaped wing 12, and a variation in the rotor bladesof flow generator 21 and in the location of the power source 22.

The propulsion system 10 can be attached or incorporated into a varietyof conventional existing air and water vehicles and mediums oftransport, such as submarines, ships, or boats, via a propulsion systemsupport 38 suitable for the particular application.

The shape, size, number, and configuration of the airfoil-shaped bladesof the flow generator, can be varied depending on the specificapplication. For example, thin, low-drag, low-lift blades may beemployed for faster speed, while thicker blades may be used to transportheavier loads. Furthermore, the size, shape, and configuration of thewing 12 (FIG. 2) can be varied to achieve the desired outcome. In FIG.4A and FIG. 4B wing 12 is eliminated entirely leaving the end offunnel-shaped conduit 11 as the most outward facing projection, butalternatively, wing 12 can be merely minimized to a small lip (notillustrated).

The power source 22 is illustrated as external to funnel-shaped conduit11.

In other aspects, the third exemplary embodiment is substantiallysimilar to the first exemplary embodiment described above.

Referring now to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the increase in force achieved byutilization of the propulsion system 10 of the present invention isdemonstrated. In the experiment shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a smallwheeled cart 39 was attached to a scale 41 to measure force and waspowered by an electrical motor, but only in FIG. 6 is the propulsionsystem 10 used. Using the same power source, the force 43 (FIG. 6), asmeasured by scale 41, was significantly greater (approximately 70%greater) using the propulsion system 10 (as in FIG. 6) as compared tothe force 42 without using the propulsion system (as in FIG. 5).

In the three exemplary embodiments of the propulsion system 10presented, the elements herein shown are for illustrative purposes onlyand it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety ofother component configurations may also be utilized without departingfrom the present invention. The specific configuration used will dependupon a variety of application factors including, for example, the typeand density of the fluid. Although the propulsion system 10 is hereinillustrated with the power source 22 inside the funnel-shaped conduit11, alternatively power source 22 can be located below or otherwiseexternally to the funnel-shaped conduit 11. To maintain a balancedweight distribution, however, if components are not mounted about theaxis of the funnel-shaped conduit 11, additional weights (not shown) canbe supplied to counteract the off-center weight distribution.

Changing the direction of the fluid flow can maneuver the propulsionsystem 10. For example, by reversing the direction of the flow generator21 the direction of the fluid flow is reversed and the propulsion system110 would provide an opposite, or rearward, movement. Alternatively,changing the axis of the flow generator 21 to be somewhat deviated fromthe axis of the funnel-shaped conduit 11 will proportionally modify theforward lift direction. Tilting the rotor of the flow generator 21 cancontrol the direction of movement, thus providing both vertical andhorizontal directional control. In air, the propulsion system 10 canimprove vertical takeoff and landing and hovering, as well as beingadapted for use as a stable, rotatable platform. Further the propulsionsystem 10 is maneuverable by shifting the distribution of weight, thusproviding additional directional control.

Additionally, the propulsion system is inherently stable due to thebalanced weight distribution, thereby increasing safety. Theconfiguration of the conduit 11 and wing 12 also provide furtherenhancements to the safety of the vehicle. For instance, upon loss ofpower, conduit 11 and wing 12 work together to enable the vehicleequipped with the propulsion system 10 of the current invention to floatdown safely through the air from a height, with the air resistanceprovided by conduit 11 and wing 12 reducing the rearward velocity, in asimilar manner to a parachute. Furthermore, the low center of mass ofthe propulsion system encourages the system to remain upright upon lossof power, thereby increasing vehicle safety. In addition, theconfiguration of the propulsion system 10 provides a system thatdecreases or eliminates damage to the vehicle during a low speedcollision. For example, in contrast to a helicopter with exposed rotorsthat are damaged in even a very low speed collision, the rotors of theenclosed flow generator 21 are protected.

When used underwater, the propulsion system promotes a stable and easilymaneuvered underwater transport device that can be used for numerousrecreational activities and business activities, such as investigatingancient shipwrecks or downed airplanes, burying underwater cables in thesea floor, studying marine life or ocean currents, or repairing offshoreoil well platforms.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the propulsion system 10 ofthe current invention provides a propulsion system that can be utilizedon many existing vehicles, as well as on vehicles or transport devicesspecifically designed for its application.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents.

1. A method of providing propulsion within a liquid or gas fluid, the method comprising the steps: securing a propulsion device to an object, the propulsion device comprising: a vertically oriented, central axially-extending funnel-shaped conduit having a fluid inlet defined by a continuous, circular fluid inlet edge located about a wide edge of said funnel-shaped conduit, and a fluid outlet defined by a continuous, circular fluid outlet edge located about a narrow edge of said funnel-shaped conduit, said funnel shaped wall forming a substantially open interior passageway sized to allow the conveyance of said liquid or gas fluid; wherein an inlet diameter of said fluid inlet is larger than an outlet diameter said fluid outlet, wherein inlet diameter is at least twice said outlet diameter, wherein height of said funnel-shaped conduit is at least equal to three fourths of said outlet diameter; a flow generator rotationally mounted about said central axis of said funnel-shaped conduit and operational to convey said liquid or gas fluid in a direction from said fluid inlet edge toward said fluid outlet edge; an airfoil-shaped wing having a leading edge and a trailing edge, said airfoil-shaped wing is circumferentially connected to said continuous, circular fluid inlet edge, said airfoil-shaped wing defining a cord extending between any point of said leading edge and a respective point of said trailing edge, wherein said cord extends outwardly radially from said forward edge and a plurality of said cords form a plane being substantially perpendicular to said central axis; at least one flow generator support configured to secure said flow generator to said funnel-shaped conduit; and a power source for powering said flow generator, wherein said generated fluid conveyance of said liquid or gas fluid creates lift, whereby said inlet airflow creates a pressure gradient between an upper surface of said airfoil-shaped wing and a lower surface of said airfoil-shaped wing generating a lifting force; drawing air into said funnel fluid inlet; discharging said air through said funnel fluid outlet; and creating a lifting force by passing airflow across an upper surface of said airfoil-shaped wing passing from said leading edge towards and across said trailing edge. 